Printed Image Test Data Reduction by Pattern Category
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing data processing demands due to improved printing speeds and image resolution in printing apparatuses lead to higher hardware requirements and costs, necessitating a reduction in the amount of data processed during image testing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus that includes a printing unit, camera, and image-data output unit capable of reducing data output based on test pattern categories, utilizing luminance data, plain data, low-resolution data, and bit reduction to minimize data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image data is captured at high resolution to improve testing accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the amount of data to be processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data processing by dividing it into multiple stages: initial full-resolution capture, intermediate processing steps that work on progressively smaller data sets, and final analysis. This allows high-resolution capture for accuracy while reducing the total data volume processed at each stage, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and data quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary features and data elements from the captured images for testing purposes, rather than processing the entire high-resolution image data set. By taking out only the relevant portions (such as specific pattern regions, color values, or defect areas), the system maintains testing accuracy while significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed.
2Productivity
If hardware performance is increased to handle larger data volumes, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data reduction and preprocessing operations before the main testing and analysis processes. By preparing and reducing the data set in advance (through initial filtering, downsampling non-critical areas, or pre-extracting features), the system reduces the computational burden on subsequent hardware operations, maintaining productivity while avoiding the need for excessively complex high-performance hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a technology that enables reduction of an amount of data to be processed in testing a printed image printed on a printing medium. A printing apparatus includes a printing unit, a camera, and an image-data output unit. The printing unit is capable of printing plural categories of test patterns on the printing medium. The camera captures an image of a test pattern printed on the printing medium, and outputs acquired image data to the image-data output unit. The image-data output unit reduces an amount of data of the image data output from the camera, in accordance with the category of the test pattern, and outputs acquired image data to a test apparatus.